Rehoboth selectmen to discuss proposed animal abuse bylaw

A polarizing article about animals will likely be pitched to voters at the annual Town Meeting.

Selectman Lorraine Botts is crafting an article that calls for the humane treatment of "animal companions and pets."

Botts concedes that there is a state law in place but she said there are not enough regulations in place to maintain the welfare of animals, such as making sure that domestic or farm animals have enough food or water on a hot day or proper shelter during cold or inclement weather.

Botts said having a bylaw on the books will serve as a deterrent. She cited one case last summer in which a horse had sores all over its body and the owner did not seek veterinarian help for the animal. A neighbor, however, saw the sores on the animal and contacted authorities.

Botts said a veterinarian and town counsel have approved the concept. Under her bylaw, a first-time offender could be fined $100. A second offense could lead to a $200 fine and a third offense could lead to a $300 fine.

She admits that not everyone will favor it.

"I believe some farmers will come to shoot it down but we will have animal lovers there too. We will see what happens," she said.

Members of the five-person board of selectmen were almost evenly divided over the matter. Some claimed it would create a "vigilante" atmosphere with neighbors and residents regularly calling animal control about a suspicious mistreatment of an animal.

Animal Control officer Jan Foster touched upon this point, saying that the perception of abuse is subjective.

"Some have a different opinion of abuse and that is why we have (the) MSPCA get involved," she said.

Foster said the current system works fine. She said if there is a perceived animal abuse case, local authorities will investigate and contact the MSPCA. If the MSPCA cites an owner for abuse, that owner could be fined or spend time in jail under a worst-case scenario.

That said, Foster said she awaits the will of townspeople and will gladly go along with any bylaw that Town Meeting authorizes.

"I have no problem with it," Foster said. "Whatever the town decides, it is their decision."

Town Administrator Jeff Ritter and Botts confirmed that she is tweaking the language of the article based on the feedback she has received.

Ritter said selectmen will weigh in on the final draft of the article and decide whether to place it on the May 12 Town Meeting warrant.